Self Drive Holidays
If you love the thrill of the open road, Africa offers some exciting opportunities for independent travel. Our top recommendations for a self drive holiday are South Africa, Namibia and the Indian Ocean island of Reunion. All have good, well-maintained road networks and when compared to Europe, there is considerably less traffic. We carefully plan the itinerary with you, provide maps, emergency back-up and of course arrange all the accommodation along the way.
Rainbow Recommends

Cape Town, Garden Route & Safari
Itinerary Highlights
- See some dramatic views from the top of Table Mountain
- Discover the beautiful lush scenery that is the Garden Route
- See amazing game on safari in a non Malarial private reserve
- Fully tailor made itineraries by first hand experts

Classic Namibia Self-Drive Holiday
Itinerary Highlights
- Visit the Cheetah conservation project at Okonjima
- Spectacular game viewing around the waterholes in Etosha
- Elusive Rhino and Elephant in the desert at Damaraland
- Climb the highest dunes in Sossusvlei at Sunrise

Reunion Island - Self Drive
Itinerary Highlights
- Beautiful Indian Island scenery
- Exhilarating hikes
- Stunning waterfalls
- Relax on the lagoon

Pocket-size Northern Namibia Self-Drive
Itinerary Highlights
- Visit the Cheetah rehabilitation project at Okonjima
- View some amazing scenery from Damaraland
- Go on a cruise to see the Dolphins and seals from Walvis bay

Namibia Self-Drive Roof-Top Camping Holiday
Itinerary Highlights
- Independent travel on the open roads of Namibia
- Superb game viewing in Etosha
- Climb the living dunes in Sossusvlei
- Scour the Skeleton Coast for Shipwrecks

Open Road Self-Drive Namibia safari
Itinerary Highlights
- Stay in prime locations within the national parks
- completely independent travel through Namibia
- See the wildlife at Etosha
- ascend the dunes at Sossusvlei

KwaZulu Natal - Self Drive
Itinerary Highlights
- Discover the immense Drakensburg
- search for big five in Hluhluwe
- Visit historic battlefields
- relax in luxury at Oysterbox hotel

Garden Route & Kruger - Self Drive
Itinerary Highlights
- See the stunning scenery from Cape Town and along the garden route
- Opportunity to see whales from Hermanus
- Search for the big five in the game rich Timbavati game reserve at &Beyond Ngala Private Game Reserve

Cape and Winelands Escape - Self Drive
Itinerary Highlights
- Table Mountain
- Vicotria And Alfred Waterfront
- Cape Point and Peninsula
- Robben Island

KwaZulu Natal Meander - Culture, Wildlife & Beach - Self Drive
Itinerary Highlights
- Hike and explore the magical Drakensburg
- Delve in the history of the Battlefields
- Cruise on the Pongola River
- Search for big game in Hluhluwe Game Reserve

Where to go for Self Drive Holidays
What Our Clients Say
We pride ourselves on creating the best tailor-made holidays for all our clients. But, we know that's not just for us to say. Read our latest reviews to see how others found their experience of travelling with Rainbow.
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Why Choose Us?
Passionate travel experts
- We've been leading wildlife travel since our first South Africa tours over 25 years ago
- Our Travel Specialists have lived in their specialist area for years
- We work with local guides to immerse you deeper in our diverse range of experiences
Personal & tailor-made
- You'll speak to your own expert who'll share their first-hand knowledge
- We'll make your itinerary seamless with 24/7 emergency contact available
- Your Travel Specialist will listen to ensure you have the best chance of seeing the wildlife you love
Responsible by nature
- We take care to actively contribute to the conservation of environments we visit
- For select countries, we make a charitable donation on your behalf when you make your booking
- We've partnered with conservation experts and NGOs to curate responsible tours
For the latest travel advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office check www.gov.uk/travelaware